Region 11
Clark, Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Moultrie, Shelby

Region 11 Reports

Early Childhood Regional Needs Assessment highlights data and stories from community members across the Region and includes strengths, family- and community-identified needs, and recommendations for how to make our local Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) services more accessible and equitable.

Addendum includes additional community feedback captured as our Regional Team and Action and Family Councils shared our initial report’s findings throughout the Region.

Action Plan is a living community document that focuses on the top priorities from our Region’s initial ECEC needs assessment. Council members developed Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) goals for each recommendation and plans and timelines to fulfill them.

Early Childhood Needs Assessment: Focus on Mental & Behavioral Health features stories from families and ECEC providers about the challenges and successes they have accessing Mental and Behavioral Health services.

Action Plan Progress features the Region’s top Early Childhood priorities and highlights their goal progress and how to get involved.

a map of Illinois with Region 11 highlighted in blue
 

Action Council Members

  • Alexandria Poe, AP Therapeutic Practice & Eastern Illinois Area of Special Education, Owner & Associate Director

  • Dennis Pearson, Embarras River Basin Agency, Inc., Head Start Director

  • Emily Zerrusen, Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, Social Work Clinician

  • Erika Hollis, Paris CUSD #95, Instructional Coach

  • Jayme Holt, Franklin Preschool, Principal

  • Katie Parrish, Lake Land College, Sociology Instructor

  • Katrina Farris, Mattoon School District, Director of Early Childhood

  • Laurrie Minor, Sullivan Chamber of Commerce, Director

  • Melissa Coleman, Eastern Illinois University CCR&R, Higher Education Navigator & Outreach Coordinator & Adjunct Faculty

  • Melissa Krieger, Child Advocate, Parent/Family Member Representative

  • Mikki Sherwood, Eastern Illinois University, Professor

  • Staci Christer, Shelby County Health Department, MCH Nurse

  • Teresa Metzger, Regional Office of Education #11, McKinney-Vento Lead Liaison

Family Council Members

  • Abigail Gibson, Marshall (Clark County)

  • Aimee Younker, Moweaqua (Shelby County)

  • Elizabeth Ingram, Tuscola (Douglas County)

  • Jenny Lewis, Greenup (Cumberland County)

  • Kennedy Polanski, Sullivan (Moultrie County)

  • Micah Wiley, Sullivan (Moultrie County)

  • Molly Plank, Tuscola (Douglas County)

  • Nicole Huffman, Martinsville (Clark County)

  • Samantha Elliott, Paris (Edgar County)

  • Skyler Harford, Mattoon (Coles County)

Meet Your Regional Team!

Headshot of Angie Hunt, a light skinned person with bangs and shoulder length red hair. Anne is wearing a black long-sleeved shirt and a sparkly necklace. She has her hands under her chin and is smiling at the camera.

Angie Hunt

Angie Hunt (she/her) is the Regional Council Manager for Region 11. She has 35 years of experience in human services, working primarily with adults and children who have experienced domestic and sexual violence. Throughout those years, she has had the honor of providing anti-violence education in schools and throughout the community, as well as at the state level. Angie has sat on several boards and committees over the years, including the Eastern Illinois University (EIU) Family and Consumer Sciences Advisory Committee, the EIU Gender and Sexual Diversity Committee, the South Central Illinois Continuum of Care Board of Directors, the U.S. Housing and Urban Development’s IL Peer-to-Peer Planning Committee, and the Workforce Development Area #23 Board.

A graduate of EIU, Angie’s passions include helping to create an equitable world for all kids, her own two grandchildren, and the three dogs who run her life. 

 
Headshot of Kierra Webb, a light skinned person with the top half of her hair pulled back and the bottom half hanging over her shoulders. Kierra is wearing silver earrings and a white blouse. She is smiling at the camera.

Kierra Webb

Kierra Webb (she/her) is the Family & Community Engagement Specialist for Region 11. She has an extensive background in community resourcing and business. Her professional background also includes 10+ years of clerical experience and a variety of customer service positions.   

 Originally from California, Kierra now resides in Coles County with her husband and their three dogs. In her free time, she enjoys country music, spending time with her friends, and volunteering at the Coles County Animal Shelter. She is excited for the opportunity to combine her skills to help families in her community. 

 
Headshot of Ashlee Lovett. Ashlee has long wavy brown hair and is smiling at the camera.

Ashlee Lovett

Ashlee Lovett (she/her) is the Region 11 Administrative Support. She is passionate about building strong communities and connecting people with the resources they need to thrive. With a background in Psychology from Lake Land College, she combines professional knowledge with her personal experience as a mom of three. Ashlee understands the importance of support systems and uses her skills in leadership, organization, and problem-solving to help families and individuals find solutions that fit their needs. At home, she loves spending time with her children and their dog, Cooper.


Contact Region 11

Please fill out the form below to contact Angie. Your message will go directly to her inbox. You may also reach her at (309) 270-5687.